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Former Scotland international Scott Hastings dies aged 61

7 January 2019; Doddie Weir was speaking to media in Dublin today ahead of the Ireland v England Rugby Legends match taking place in the RDS on Friday, 1st February. All proceeds from this great event will be split among the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, R
Scott Hastings

Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions centre Scott Hastings has died aged 61.

Hastings, who was undergoing treatment for cancer, passed away on Sunday morning.

He won 65 Scotland caps between 1986 and 1997 and toured twice with the Lions.

Hastings, along with brother Gavin, was part of the Scotland team that won the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1990.

A statement from the Hastings family read: "We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.

"This also marked his late wife Jenny's birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.

"Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.

"At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected."

20 JAN 1996: Scott Hastings and Rob Wainwright of Scotland celebrate after Scotland's 16-10 victory over Ireland in the Five Nations Championship match at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland. Mandatory Credit: David Cannon/ALLSPORT
Scott Hastings (l) after Scotland's win over Ireland in the 1996 Five Nations in Dublin

Hastings, the younger brother of former Scotland captain Gavin, was selected for the 1989 and 1993 Lions tours and made two Test appearance against the Wallabies.

He made his international debut against France and hung up his boots after facing England in 1997. After retiring from the game, he became a well respected broadcaster.

"My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me," former Scotland and Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said.

"We came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.

"I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning.

"He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field. I still remember the Grand Slam game against England in 1990.

"There was his Lions team-mate from the previous year, Jerry Guscott, in the England team, but Scott gave nothing away to him whatsoever.

"Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better."

Additional reporting: PA

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